A Masonic "Bill of Rights"

cemab4y · 04-05-2008, 12:21 AM

I read a "Masonic Bill of Rights", on another board. I find this topic fascinating. Can we have a discussion about this topic? I believe that most Grand Lodges, and Grand Lodge officers are doing an excellent job in serving their memberships, and in serving Masonry.

I also hear "horror stories", of Grand Lodge officers, who are operating in ways, that do not reflect on the high standards, that Masons should expect.

Could such a document be crafted? Would Grand Lodges be willing, to adopt a "Bill of Rights", and insert these rights into their constitutions? Is such a listing of rights,even necessary at all? I believe "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".

I am not interested in criticizing or "hammering", any individual grand Lodge or any grand Lodge officer, regardless of jurisdiction. I would just like to see what other Masons around the country, think about this idea.

Here is a possible "Bill of Rights":

-The right to speak, including electronically, and in print, about Masonry.

-The right to have a full and open hearing, in the event of masonic charges.

-The right to contact and seek guidance from other Masons, both in the individual's Grand Lodge, and from Masons in other Grand Jurisdictions, and Grand Lodges.

-The right to approach and present grievances to Grand Lodge officers, without fear of reprisal.

-The right to meet with other masons, and discuss masonry, and to form organizations of Masons outside of Grand Lodge supervision, such as "Masonic Square and Compasses Clubs", and "Widow's Sons clubs".

-The right to hold all officers, both at the individual lodge level, and at the Grand Lodge level, accountable for following the applicable rules and regulations of the lodge/grand Lodge.

-The right to submit changes to by-laws, regulations, and constitutions, at the lodge and Grand Lodge level, and to have these changes duly voted on, in proper form.

These are just a few that come to mind, what others should be added?

BTW- Here is a bit of humor, that has more than its share of truth:

"How many Grand Lodge officers does it take to change a light bulb?"

answer: "None, Grand Lodge officers don't believe in change".

D. W. Brown · 04-05-2008, 02:12 PM

Interesting topic and idea, it's just sad though that we even need to have a conversation like this.

cemab4y · 04-05-2008, 02:30 PM

James Madison said "If all men were angels, there would be no need for government". Masonry is NOT a dictatorship, nor is it a "mafia". Grand Lodge officers work for the individual Masons in their respective Grand Lodges. I am convinced that the wide majority of Grand Lodge officers are doing an excellent job, in serving their various memberships.

But Masons are human, and humans have faults. Not all men in positions of authority, are performing their duties in a manner consistent with the highest standards of Masonry.

A "Bill of Rights", may or may not be the best way for individual Masons to re-take control of their various Grand Lodges. If your Grand Lodge does not need this type of legislation, then I envy you.

I want to have this conversation, because it is important. For far too long, masons have been content to just "go along", and not to demand that their Grand Lodges operate properly.

"Government is like fire, a dangerous servant, and a terrible master"
-George Washington.

Stealth · 04-06-2008, 12:12 PM

As long as NO ONE is willing to say another GL jurisdiction is wrong NOTHING will change. Strange how a GL has no problem burning their own members at the stake. Yet when INNOCENT Masons in other GL jurisdictions are expelled because they have the nevre to think they are free, these same Masons who burn their own scream its not any of our business.

The old rot, rank, musty, aging Masonic jurisdictions across the nation are collapsing and everyone else keep saying its not any of our business.
Those men are enablers of the down fall and ruin of Freemasonry and you took an obligation you either don't believe or you didn't understand when you placed your hands on the SVL.